Nicolas Di Felice
Photo Credit: Jean Marques for @nicolas.difelice/Instagram

The fashion world is abuzz with anticipation as Nicolas Di Felice, the artistic director of Courrèges, has been announced as the next guest designer for Jean Paul Gaultier Couture.

This news marks a continuation of Gaultier’s unique collaborative concept, where a new creative mind reinterprets the iconic house’s legacy each season.

Nicolas Di Felice
PARIS, FRANCE – SEPTEMBER 30: Loli Bahia and Nicolas di Felice attend the #BoF500 Gala during Paris Fashion Week at Shangri-La Hotel Paris on September 30, 2023 in Paris, France. (Photo by Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images for The Business of Fashion)

Following in the footsteps of industry heavyweights like Simone Rocha and Glenn Martens, Di Felice brings a fresh perspective honed at the helm of Courrèges. Since his appointment in 2020, he has breathed new life into the brand, steering it away from its purely nostalgic roots and into the realm of modern cult fashion.

His designs for Courrèges are known for being bold, yet approachable, a quality that promises an exciting take on Gaultier’s flamboyant and theatrical codes.

MUNICH, GERMANY – JULY 20: Jean Paul Gaultier during the Jean Paul Gaultier’s Fashion Freak Show at Isar Philharmonic on July 20, 2023 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Hannes Magerstaedt/Getty Images)

Gaultier himself is effusive about Di Felice’s selection. Praising the designer’s boldness and creativity, Gaultier told WWD that Di Felice is a perfect fit to bring new life to the house’s established style while maintaining its signature daring spirit.

This new role presents a fascinating departure for Di Felice. While his work at Courrèges has focused on wearable and modern pieces, the world of haute couture offers a platform for unbridled creativity and exploration. The upcoming collection promises to be a unique blend of Di Felice’s modern sensibilities and Gaultier’s established codes — a true meeting of the minds between two visionary designers.

Nicolas Di Felice
PARIS, FRANCE – FEBRUARY 28: A model walks the runway during the Courrèges Womenswear Fall/Winter 2024-2025 show as part of Paris Fashion Week on February 28, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Yanshan Zhang/Getty Images)

The anticipation surrounding the collection is palpable. Fashion enthusiasts are eager to see how Di Felice will translate Gaultier’s signature elements, like his subversive play on gender and his love of Breton stripes, into a contemporary collection. Will he incorporate Courrèges’ focus on futurism and geometric shapes? These are just some of the questions swirling around the upcoming show.

PARIS, FRANCE – JANUARY 24: (EDITORIAL USE ONLY – For Non-Editorial use please seek approval from Fashion House) A model walks the runway during the Jean Paul Gaultier Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2024 show as part of Paris Fashion Week on January 24, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images)

The collection is slated to be unveiled during the next Paris Haute Couture Week, scheduled for June 24 to 27. Given the pedigree of both designers and the unique collaborative concept, the show is sure to be a highlight of the season. With Di Felice at the helm, the future of Jean Paul Gaultier Couture promises to be as bold and innovative as ever.